Milestones

I began the year with some simple thoughts on direction and goals. I've hit all the markers--Mac conversions, music studio up and running, flower show exhibit, registration for two weeks of instruction with Koo Schadler, and retirement application completed and soon to be submitted.

All my plans are geared towards soon having time to pursue my interests. Curiously, there is much I didn't anticipate. Like trying to start up multiple projects before the time is available. Or, the mixed feelings that would arise as time goes by, as leaving work becomes closer.

I dropped art work recently. I simply had no feeling for it. It became one more overwhelming project. So after nearly a couple of weeks away, last night I picked up a pencil and sketched the wood anemone and other little things from memory. I'm practicing consistent hatching and cross hatching. And, it's fun.

Like much of life, this is all a transition, a process. I've lately talked with lots of folks who have recently retired or are contemplating. It's good to know that my process is a well worn pathway. Now is a time to relax into this path, trusting that all will fall into place.

Sooner or later we all discover that the important moments in life are not the advertised ones, not the birthdays, the graduations, the weddings, not the great goals achieved. The real milestones are less prepossessing. They come to the door of memory unannounced, stray dogs that amble in, sniff around a bit and simply never leave. Our lives are measured by these.

Susan B. Anthony